Tips on Planning to Perform a Wedding

"First, Get Ordained"

Spring is in the air, and so is love.  Wedding plans are taking form as wedding season approaches.  June is the most popular month for weddings, followed by August, September, October and May.  So, if you are planning to perform a wedding, you will be busy for sure.

Part of the wedding planning includes finding the right wedding officiant.  Many couples are now choosing that special person in their lives to perform their ceremony.  To many this is "out of the ordinary" for sure, but doesn't it make sense that  such a sacred and special ceremony  be performed by someone who loves and knows the couple?

I am honored to have been asked to perform my niece's wedding this October.  I have known her since before she was born, so to speak.  There is much love in my heart for her and a desire to bless and hold her upcoming marriage in my heart as sacred and honored.

So, as we begin her marriage ceremony plans, I will share with you the methodology we are using.  Initially, the officiant will have to become legal.  You must get ordained.   You can find the legalities regarding state statutes and registration requirements regarding ordination credentials on http://www.ministerialseminary.com/Officiant_Laws_by_State.html 

Once you have an understanding of the state's requirements regarding getting ordained and performing a wedding, you can obtain the proper ordination documentation by visiting www.ministerialseminary.com.

After the legalities of getting ordained online have been met and you have received your ordination, you might want to consider the following officiant tips:

1. Confirm with the county in which the wedding is to be performed that you have met all of their requirements.

2.  Sit down with the couple to find out what they are looking for in the way of a ceremony.  Are they wishing for a religious ceremony or a secular one.  Ask yourself if you are comfortable performing the type of ceremony they desire.

3.  Ask the couple to give to you copies of their favorite readings, scripture and songs.  You can incorporate these elements into the service to make it special, meaningful and personal.

4.  Ask the couple if there are any family members or friends they would like to include in the service.  Now you can incorporate the information you gathered in question two by assigning readings or vocals to the individuals the couple has chosen.

5.  Ask the couple if they want a joyous, solemn, humorous, spiritual, religious or secular service.   Some couples desire a little of everything in their service. 

6.  Begin preparing the service with your couple.  Based upon their answer to question five above, you will begin to create the welcoming words.  You can find samples to all the portions of the wedding celebration by obtaining a copy of our "Create Your Own Wedding Ceremony - In 12 Easy Steps" - HERE  This downloadable planner will guide you through the rest of the ceremony and provide simple options for every part of the celebration.

7.  Once the ceremony has been designed, practice it often.  However, I recommend that you do not memorize it as it then looses its warmth and natural flow.  

8.  Print the service on paper that is the right size and weight for you to easily handle during the ceremony.

9.  Be yourself during the ceremony.  Remember, the couple picked you because you are who you are.  

I hope you find these simple tips helpful to you.  I will be going through the same process as you.  As such, I will close with a prayer for the first time wedding officiant-- family or friend..

Oh Most Holy,

Guide me as I strive to be a channel of your peace and love through the facilitation of such a blessed event as the marriage of my loved ones.    Grant that I may watch guard over my ego remembering that this services is a celebration of their love and that I am just a servant, joyful and blessed to officiate such an expression of love.

May my efforts be blessed.  May this couple be blessed.  May all who participate in this joyous celebration be blessed.  We give thanks for the gift of love that you have so freely given and pray we stay ever mindful of it

Amen and again I say, Amen.